The Eastern Regional Secretariat of the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has charged the President to show his commitment to fighting illegal mining in the country since the campaign against the act has been characterised by discrimination.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the regional secretary, Mark-Oliver Kevor; it charged the President to demonstrate his willingness to fighting the Galamsey menace by not shielding individuals who are sabotaging the fight. The statement said the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour is shielding the operation Vanguard for putting a cog on the president’s way to fight the illegal act. The regional minister is alleged to have admitted that the task-force has been taking bribe from illegal miners but has taken no concrete action against them.

The President, has began a three day tour in the Eastern region to inspect projects as well as pay courtesy call on some chiefs in the region. This the NDC said, since the minister is aware of the illegal act being perpetrated by the operation vanguard but has taken no interest to institute any action against them, the President himself should take the pain to address that issue as he visits the region.

The President Nana Akufo – Addo upon assumption of office has declared his utmost distaste for illegal mining and in his quest to fight the menace commissioned the operation vanguard to nip the act in the mud even if it will cost him the Presidency.

However, the NDC claims the President may not achieve his aim if he did not put to check the Eastern Regional Minister since he is condoning the bribery activities of the operation vanguard.

“The President must also be aware that his commitment to fighting illegal mining has been characterised by discrimination……his regional minister has explained away such discriminatory control, citing bribery on the part of the operation vanguard, a criminal act in the knowledge of the regional minister who is leading your tour this week. No concrete action has been taken despite the minister’s knowledge of such crimes,” the statement said.